Abia State Governor Alex Otti has thrown his full weight behind the federal government’s removal of fuel subsidy, boldly declaring that anyone praying or advocating for its return does not mean well for Nigeria’s economic future.
Speaking during a live appearance on Arise Television, the Labour Party governor dismissed opposition calls to reinstate the controversial policy as political grandstanding aimed at capitalizing on election-season anxieties. Otti explained that he has consistently opposed fuel subsidies for years, recalling how he published articles back in 2020 advocating for its complete removal to save the national economy from systemic collapse.
The governor argued that subsidizing consumption only creates massive inefficiencies, encourages reckless waste, and fosters a corrupt scam where public resources are drained to fund artificial lifestyles. “I don’t have a problem supporting production, but consumption should not be subsidized,” Otti asserted, pointing out that when individuals pay full value for fuel, they naturally become more prudent and resource-efficient.
While acknowledging the initial economic hardship and elevated living costs triggered by the subsidy removal, Governor Otti insisted that short-term pain is a necessary trade-off for long-term fiscal stability. He noted that freeing up government funds has allowed states, including Abia, to direct higher capital expenditure toward crucial public infrastructure like roads, schools, and health facilities. Otti’s firm stance reinforces a growing consensus that structural economic corrections must prioritize production and infrastructure over short-term political relief.
Do you agree with Governor Alex Otti that government should strictly support production instead of fuel consumption? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!
